September 2nd will go down as the day 50 Shades of Grey took over Twitter. After much speculation and lots and lots of rumors, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele finally have faces! E.L. James announced, via her Twitter account, the casting choices today. Some were happy with the choices, some were very, very angry.
Charlie Hunnam, 33, is a British actor and screenwriter. He was chosen to portray Mr. Spanker himself, Christian Grey. You may know him from his role as Jax on Sons of Anarchy. I’ve never seen SOA but I’m hearing rumblings that he plays an intense character on that show and he can pull Christain off. Apparently, he’s already shown his rear on SOA and it’s a nice one. I hope my husband doesn’t check my Google search history! According to reports, Charlie was chosen almost a week ago but they kept it under wraps until the role of Anastasia was chosen.
Dakota Johnson, 23, was chosen to portray the innocent Anastasia Steele. Dakota is the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. She started her career as a model with IMG and then transitioned to acting. She was a supporting actress in 21 Jump Street, The Five-Year Engagement and The Social Network. This is, by far, her biggest role.
Not knowing either of these actors, I’m fine with these choices. Some of the pictures of Charlie being passed around on Twitter scream “Christian Grey” to me. I think I’m going to hold off on checking out Sons of Anarchy until after 50 Shades has released. I don’t want to taint my movie experience with seeing him as Jax beforehand. With that being said, I am SO EXCITED to see 50 Shades on the big screen! It will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson with a release date of August 2014. Bring on the “red room of pain!”
What do you think of the casting choices? Take our poll and share your thoughts!
[polldaddy poll=7365498]
Jen loves to read. She can’t stop herself. It’s become an obsession. She is in love with her husband, kids, iced coffee and books. Jen lives in beautiful Colorado but is originally from the West Coast.
Ann@IW says
September 2, 2013 at 12:43 pmI hope my husband doesn’t check my Google search history! LOL!
I took the poll first- 50 Shades who? I haven’t read it.
She looks like her mother- very pretty.
Deborah says
September 2, 2013 at 12:48 pmCharily Is my fave on Sons.
I think he’s perfectly Hott!!!!
I don’t have any viewing knowledge of Dakota but I really like both of her parents.
I think they are a fine choice.
Lover him 😉
Jodie says
September 2, 2013 at 12:51 pmYes on him….we will see about her. Not really sure she fits the look. Hoping its good!
JennieIW says
September 2, 2013 at 1:24 pmI really, really liked Dakota Johnson on the short lived Fox sitcom “Ben and Kate” – she’s adorable and charming. I worry that a sort of notorious role like this will typecast her or hurt her career. We’ll see, I guess.
Jen says
September 2, 2013 at 2:46 pmI spent half my day googling Charlie Hunnam. Holy freaking hotnes
I couldn’t tell you who Dakota was before today’s annoucement… definitely know who she is now!
Pam@IW says
September 2, 2013 at 4:25 pmI am excited! I love Charlie Hunnam and have enjoyed Sons of Anarachy and the part he plays in that show.
I don’t know Dakota Johnson at all but I think I actually like that.
Patricia via Facebook says
September 2, 2013 at 6:52 pmI was looking forward to the movie, not now. Now, I have no desire to go see it
Marnie says
September 2, 2013 at 8:05 pmCharlie has that sly, cocky way about him that will be needed to pull off Christian. I have no idea who the actress is but I’m glad they didn’t go with a big name.
Anya@IW says
September 2, 2013 at 8:42 pmVery interesting! I don’t think any of us saw these two being cast. I like that! I don’t know Charlie Hunnam, but he certainly is nice to look at! Like Jennie, I have seen Dakota Johnson in a few things and she is actually a very good young actress, although I believe I have only seen her in comedic roles. I wish them both the best. I feel for actors taking on beloved characters from books. Fans can be a little nuts with their expectations! 😉
Lois Alter Mark says
September 3, 2013 at 7:05 amSuch interesting choices — not the names being thrown around for so long! He looks right for Christian but am not sure about Dakota Johnson. I do think it’s better that they didn’t pick big name stars. Will be curious to see how they make a good movie out of this at all!
Donna says
September 3, 2013 at 7:31 amCharlie Hunman is the only reason I watch Sons…. so excited about him. 🙂 I really don’t know anything about Dakota. Jury is still out on her.
Brynn @ MommyDigger.com says
September 3, 2013 at 11:21 amThe casting is growing on me, I love Ben & Kate so it will take some time to envision her as Anastasia.
April via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 5:29 pmDo not like. Matt Bomer and Alexis bledel. The guy should be someone so HOTT that any woman would be intimidated by him and the girl should have a young innocent frail look. My opinion ….. It is how I pictured it in the books….
Erica via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 5:29 pmI think Charlie is an ok choice,the girl for ana is too old and blonde. I wish the girl from gilmore girls had gotten the part.
MaRanda via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 7:12 pmI have always LOVED Charlie Hunnam. Especially in SOA! I think he will do fantastic. As for Dakota Johnson, I’m not sure. I feel that she looks too old for the part. Ana is in college. I think they should have went for a younger actress.
Jenn via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 7:13 pmToo much hype!
Holli via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 7:13 pmGreat choices!
Memarie via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 7:14 pmDon’t care.
MaRanda via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 7:14 pmAlexis Bledel would have been perfect for the part.
Pamm via Facebook says
September 3, 2013 at 7:16 pmI just dont think either fits the description in the book
Cassie via Facebook says
September 4, 2013 at 8:21 amI think poor decisions were made in the casting of the film. I don’t think the male actor has enough of a following to bring the movie in enough money. The actress is the daughter of Melanie Griffin and Don Johnson. She had a brief role in a sitcom that was canceled last year. Poor casting I feel. Yet another skinny, frail woman portraying what Hollywood like to call a ‘real woman’. UGH HORRIBLE
Jen says
September 4, 2013 at 8:28 amI actually think the actors not having a following will be a good thing. I was hoping they would go for almost unknowns. I like that I have no idea who Dakota is. I’m not going to have any preconceived ideas of what she’ll be like on screen.
I can’t wait to see some promo shots of them as Christian and Anastasia!
Julie via Facebook says
September 4, 2013 at 10:47 amI think the casting was dead on!!!!!
Tammy Woodall says
September 12, 2013 at 11:18 amAfter watching Charlie Hunnam on “Sons of Anarchy” – I think he will fit the role for Christian. He definitely has a presence that Christian has and demands. Charlie can definitely play the role of bad boy and “dom”. Everyone initally didn’t like Robert Pattinson for Edward in Twilight, but we all changed our mind on that one. As far as Dokota Johnson, I can’t give an opinion, because I haven’t seen any of her work. Although, when I imagined Anastasia’s looks, I don’t know – if I would have choose her for the description of how Anastasia is describe in the book. Maybe she will surprise us.